I am pleased to announce the launch of 'A Digital Shift - Youth and ICT for Development Best Practices', a publication showcasing the ways that young people are improving the world through the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). This initiative was coordinated by the eLeaders Committee of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID) in collaboration with TakingITGlobal and Organisation Internationale de la francophonie. The publication is a compilation of 62 selected best practices that involve youth as key players in the conception and implementation aspects of community development projects. Visit http://bestpractices.tigweb.org to download the publication and view the best practices.



The book also showcases the changing nature of social development across the world today, and traces the link between online technology that has been adapted by and for youth, and the efforts of 'Generation 2.0' to use their combined knowledge and connectivity to address the issues of the developing world. By enabling young people to network, and to create a common 'pool' of information, Web 2.0 initiatives also encourage solutions to be sought from hitherto unexplored avenues— whether these paths involve advocacy, education, digital citizenship, entrepreneurship or healthcare as broader areas of focus.



With a particular emphasis on innovation, efficiency and enthusiasm, the publication shows how the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been interpreted to be socially, culturally and economically relevant. While the collective reach of the projects included in this book is vast, the range of individual impacts stretch from local community development to global social networks aimed at raising and spreading awareness among their target communities.


While at the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development Global Forum in Monterrey, Mexico from September 2nd to 4th, I had an opportunity to promote the publication with other members of our eLeaders Committee. Each delegate received a print copy in their registration package and a few of us gave a brief presentation at the plenary session which enticed the interest of many participants. In addition, an interactive workshop and discussion was organized as part of our eLeaders Parallel session. During our workshop we had an opportunity to hear from several young leaders whose projects were featured in the publication.



In addition to showcasing youth leadership with technology through the best practices publication, young social innovators and technologists were celebrated at the World Summit Youth Awards (WSYA) Gala evening! The awards were divided into five categories, each recognizing digital content produced by youth focused on the UN Millennium Development Goals. The categories are as follows:

1. Fight Poverty, Hunger and Disease!

2. Education for All!

3. Power 2 Women!

4. Create your Culture!

5. Go Green!



One of the major highlights from my time in Mexico was having an opportunity to meet with the World Summit Youth Award winners in our smaller group sessions. On September 2nd I led 90 minute workshop on the topic of Leveraging the Power of Social Networks for Social Change. It was exciting to both share my insights from my direct experience with TakingITGlobal, as well as gain perspectives from participants who took part in the discussions. On September 4th I co-facilitated a 'Global Huddle' with the award winners where we talked about how they would leverage their networks and experience to further advance their work and collaborative efforts. Each participant was asked to write down and share the one thing they need most to advance their project, as well as what they are able and willing to offer in support of other award winner projects. This format really helped to cultivate a sense of community and support. I am looking forward to staying in touch with this incredibly dynamic group of young leaders and hopefully, we will be able to work with them as future participants and mentors of our Sprout eCourse!